Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QRDO) in California – An Overview

A Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) is a court order issued as part of a divorce proceeding primarily to divide retirement or pension benefits between former spouses. It gives the alternate payee the right to receive all or a portion of the participant’s benefits payable under a pension plan, 401(k) plan or other qualified retirement plan

In California, retirement benefits earned from the date of marriage to the date of separation are considered community property and are subject to division between spouses upon divorce. This includes contributions made to retirement plans during the marriage, as well as any gains or losses. 

The […]

By |Child & Spousal Support|
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DISCLOSURES – What are they and Why are they So Important?

In processes for Divorce or Legal Separation, one of the requirements before getting a final judgment to terminate the relationship is to disclose information. It is mandatory to share details regarding current assets, debts, income and expenses with the other party to avoid risking having a judgment thrown out because information was knowingly withheld.

The forms used to share the information are the FL 160 – the Property Declaration and the FL 150 – the Income and Expense Declaration.  This information is sometimes exchanged more than once when the process is lengthy and circumstances change. The information provided should be complete […]

By |Child & Spousal Support, Community Property, Court Forms, Divorce, Legal Separation|
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In California, Child Support Payments Don’t Always Automatically Stop When the Child Turns 18

Child Support in California

In California, child support becomes an issue when parents of a minor child become divorced, legally separated or an action to establish a financial obligation is made between unmarried parents. Under California law, both parents are responsible for the financial stability of their minor children. The judgment will state when the child support obligation will end. The typical termination date is as follows:

The child has reached the age of majority – when the child has turned 18 and has graduated from high school, support can continue past 18 if they are still in school,
The minor […]

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Cost To File for Spousal Support in Riverside County

Understanding the costs associated with initiating a spousal support petition in California can help someone with the proper planning and preparation to be able to file and work towards having a spousal support order made. While the costs for someone in Riverside County filing for spousal support can vary dramatically based on many factors, here we will lay out a few constants and variables so you have a basic idea of what it might take financially to get a spousal support order in the Riverside County family law court system.

Where to file a Spousal Support Case in Riverside County

First to […]

By |Child & Spousal Support, Divorce, Legal Separation|
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Can I file For Custody if I Wasn’t Married to the Other Parent?

For those parents who are not married, and realize that they need custody and visitation orders made, the Superior Courts of California can help. Simply put, California Superior Courts, specifically the Family Law Division, can make orders for custody and visitation for parents of minor children who are not married.

Contrary to common misconception, the process for un-married parents to obtain custody and visitation orders though the family law courts in California is a streamlined process. While there can be some variables, such as in contested cases (custody battles), the court process can potentially get parents from filing their custody petition, […]

By |Child & Spousal Support, Custody & Visitation|
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